Tortorella Leaves Jackets For Family Emergency

John Tortorella joined the team last season after the front office fired former coach Todd Richards.

Credit Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella has temporarily left the team because of a family emergency.

A statement on the team's web site says Tortorella's family is fine, but he doesn't want to release other details.

Tortorella missed Thursday night's game in Nashville, and he says he'll also miss this weekend's All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Tortorella was picked to coach the Metropolitan Division All-Stars because Columbus had the division's best record. Since a team-record 16-game winning streak ended earlier this month, the Jackets have lost seven of 12 games.

In the statement, Tortorella said "This decision was not made lightly as representing the Columbus Blue Jackets is something I am very proud of, but it is the right decision for my family and I. I appreciate the support of our organization and the National Hockey League and my hope is to be back with the team next week."

Related Content

Many of the world’s best hockey players will be inside Nationwide Arena Friday night for a match between the USA and Canada as the teams get ready for the World Cup of Hockey that starts next week. But comments by Columbus Blue Jackets' and Team USA coach John Tortorella have taken most of the headlines leading up to the game.

WOSU Public Media | 2400 Olentangy River Road | Columbus, OH 43210 | 614.292.9678 | A service of The Ohio State University